1.)    *GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY*

This theory first came about to scientific attn in the 1960s thru *Ludwig von Bertalanffy*, a biologist.  It was a theory of order and was wanted to serve as bridge between professionals from different fields.  –Organized framework from Biology.

EMERGENCE

to the whole system when it is fully compromised of all of its parts. (Ex: Water is not water unless Hydrogen and O2 is combined right.)

Distinguishes the system frm its envir., protects part of a system from influences that might disrupt function.

Shared segments of the boundary.  A pattern that exist in the input/output exchanges between a system and their social envir.

A part of the system’s social envir.  Includes systems that the subsystem are interfaced (linked) with(agencies, depts…)

Process of disorganization (breaks down neg.) The general trend of events on nature is toward a state disorder, decomp, leveling down differences.  (Life After People)

This is actually POSITIVE.  Process of ordering.  Von Bertalnaffy cites the evolutionary process.  In SW, all forms of social organization have potential for growth and development. (Assumption #4)

Health and well-being of a system.  “Equal Exchange”  This is a balance of input/output exchanges with suprasystem.  Consist of a favorable balance in favor of Negative Entropy.

Equilibrium produced by a balance in the functions and properties of a system.

A state of balance and adjustment.  Homeostatic state.

Foundational principle of the General Systems Theory.  It is a process of utilizing mult. pathways to obtain desired goals.  It is used to assess the robustness of a system.

The same process applied to the same input can result in different outcomes.

Dual Nature

  --Fundamental unit of any independent system.

  --Holon is simultaneously both a whole and a part of a larger system

2.)    *ECOLOGICAL THEORY*.

This theory focuses on the ordering of relationships between organic and inorganic matter, examining life in relation to its natural envir. (Habitat)  The focal point of this theory is on the interdependence of everything sharing the same habitat.  It is a theory of change used to explain change at all levels.  Focuses on examining individuals, families, communities, and policies to identify strengths and weaknesses and intervene in the transactional processes between these systems: Micro, Mezzo, and Macro.  Focuses on the physical and social envir. of client systems and their reciprocal relationships with people.  Seeks to improve client coping skills, build self esteem, and improve social support and networks. 

3.)*FUNCTIONAL THEORY*

The functional theory was originated by AUGUSTE COMTE (“First coined term “Sociology”) and expanded on by:

Karl Marx and Max Webber (Conflict theorist at the societal level) and Herbert Spencer (Conflict theorist at the individual level.)

The scientific developer of the functional theory in SOCIOLOGY is EMILE DURKHEIM.  Durkheim’s position was that the human personality is formed through the process of socialization.

PG 31   ****TALCOTT PARSONS**** (1902-1979)

Talcott Parsons developed the functional theory in the U.S.  He believed in the concept of emergence, that individuals coming together from an organization with emergent properties not found in the individual.

He poisited that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and that human beings are a product, or output of society.

According to Parsons, all social systems are organized on 2 or more axes.  When dichotomized, they define 4 major “functional categories” which apply to all social systems.

FOUR METHODS OF OBTAINING EQUILIBRIUM PG 34

  ***PARSONS’ FOUR PATTERN MATRIX***

External-help to solve problems.

  Cell 1-Adaptation (Ex: Sept. 11 make-shift hospitals)

  Cell 2-Goal Attainment (Est. goals to get back to where we were in the beginning or normality)

Internal-maintain system

  Cell 3-Pattern Maintenance function (Airport security, PTSD counseling)

  Cell 4-Integration

The above example is on a macro level.

4.)*SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM*

This is a social psychological theory that accounts for social interaction and the development of social organization thru an exchange of meanings such as symbols.

*GEORGE HERBERT MEAD* is the acknowledged originator of the theory of symbolic interaction.  The specific term Symbolic Interactionism” was originally introduced by  HERBERT BLUMER.

Symbolic Interactionism…

-Stresses the social context of behavior as important in understanding.

-Places importance on the subjective processes, including values on self concept and social interactions.

-Addresses both the structures and processes involved in the transactions between individuals and society.

Gesture, language, symbol, thought, communication, meaning and reflective intelligence.

The “I” and the “ME”  “I” is active and spontaneous part and “ME” is the internal perceptions of other’s attitudes)  I is what you see…Me is how you feel.

Democracy and universality, community and envir, and religious and economic attitudes…More on a Macro level.

5.) *ROLE THEORY*

Specific application of Sym. Int.

-The point where the individual and society meet or intersect.  Role expectations define social processes and create social structures.

Important for an individual to define their social relationships.  The sum of the roles played by an individual in society are understood as the self.

All social behavior is conducted in the context of the expectations of others.  **When working with clients, an understanding of the people whose judgments are important to the client.  Self evaluation important, too**

*Three Key Applications of Role Theory to SW Pract…

---Requires the SW to be specific about the role the client is enacting, the client’s sig. others and the consequences for poor performance in their role.

---Makes a distinction between the person and their behavior, and assumes that problematic behavior is correctable.

---Requires the SW to carefully examine their own expectations.

Summary

In conclusion, these 5 lines of theory are the “parents” of our foundation of Social Systems Theory.  These theories help to explain features of the 9 assumptions compromising our social systems perspective.